When your favorite feline friend is getting older, give him a little extra TLC.
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Not too long ago, cats were considered seniors at eight years of age. nowadays, it’s not uncommon for vets to have feline patients in their twenties. Thanks to improved nutrition, indoor living, and advances in veterinary medicine, cats are living longer and are now considered seniors at ages 12 to 14, says richard goldstein, dvm, assistant professor of small animal medicine at the Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine, whose eldest the feline patient turned 22 healthy.
“aging is not a disease,” he emphasizes. “While it’s true that older cats are more prone to different conditions, some older cats are perfectly normal and don’t change at all.”
Older cats tend to be less active and playful, may sleep more, gain or lose weight, and have trouble getting to favorite places. however, don’t attribute the often gradual changes in health or behavior to old age. such changes may be signs of common illnesses or dental problems that need to be addressed by your vet.
Making sure older cats have easy access to the things they enjoy and/or need is critical, says Emily Levine, DVM, animal behavior resident at the Animal Behavior Clinic at the University of Washington College of Veterinary Medicine. cornell. “We remember to give them medication, but we tend to forget to address food, water and litter box issues,” she says.
in fact, many cat owners don’t realize the practical things they can do for their older cats. To help your senior cat enjoy her golden years, consider these simple tips.
visit the vet. Schedule regular veterinary exams to improve your senior cat’s well-being. “6-month checkups for geriatric cats are great,” dr. goldstein notes. “For healthy cats, an annual geriatric exam, which includes blood work and X-rays, along with a smaller exam in between, is ideal,” she recommends.
think warm. cats like to find warm places to rest. Make sure your older cat’s soft bed or favorite resting spot is not in a drafty area of your home. however, too much heat can potentially burn a cat that can’t move quickly, so be sure to think warm, not hot.
provide easy access to basic necessities. As cats age, they are more prone to arthritis and may have reduced control over their bowels and bladder, dr. says levine. it’s a good idea to install litter boxes on each floor so they’re easy to reach. Also, some older cats can get into a regular litter box to urinate but not poop. To help solve this problem, use a litter box with very low sides (try a large cookie sheet) or lay newspaper around the litter box, she advises. “Older cats should have easy access to food, water and litter boxes, so if they choose not to climb stairs, they don’t have to,” he adds. this may also mean placing food and water bowls in more than one location.
help him get there. If your older cat can no longer jump on his favorite windowsill, create steps, ramps, or buy pet stairs that allow him to get to a special place on his own. this also works for a cat who wants to reach for his favorite chair or sofa. the idea is to give a firm base; for example, cover steps or a ramp with rugs to prevent slipping.
preen gently. older cats may benefit from more frequent hands-on help if their grooming begins to wane. (note that a sudden lack of grooming may indicate a health problem). this is particularly crucial for long-haired cats who become uncomfortably tangled. brushing or combing gently removes loose hairs and stimulates circulation and sebaceous gland secretions, restoring shine to the coat.
turn on a light. Night lights help senior cats with poor vision or vision problems navigate at night. If your cat is blind, try to keep your cat’s environment as set and constant as possible, including litter boxes and furniture, dr. levine recommends. To avoid disorienting or frightening a blind cat, don’t pick him up unless necessary and call his name before approaching him.
Give a deaf cat a point of view. You should approach a hard-of-hearing cat from the front rather than the back to avoid startling or frightening the cat. keep it safe inside your home to protect it from cars and predators.
keep it kitty-free and playful. “I don’t recommend getting a young kitten to rejuvenate your older cat; a rambunctious kitten climbing on your cat can do more harm than help, and people tend to focus on the younger cat and ignore the older one.” dr. says levine. instead, he finds gentle ways to encourage your older cat to play with you, she suggests. He tries waving a wand, taking his cat for a walk inside your house, and playing chase the kibble, one piece at a time.
Don’t forget the basics. Fresh water and good food are vital for cats of any age, but can be particularly important for older cats. Your vet can offer advice on choosing a diet that provides adequate nutrition and the right number of calories for your aging cat. “it is especially important that older cats have easy access to clean water because kidney function is often impaired in older cats,” dr. goldstein says. “Consider mixing canned and dry food to allow your cat to absorb the water that the canned food offers,” he suggests.
Finally, older cats appreciate predictable days more than younger cats. “just as we notice our habits as we get older, so do cats”, dr. goldstein says. “Some cats may need more emotional support as they get older and others may prefer to be left alone,” he explains. “They may become more dependent on relationships and require more attention. It may be more difficult for them to deal with the changes.” Sticking to normal routines puts them at ease, he adds.
“Senior cats enjoy spending time with their human family members, concludes Dr. Levine. “It’s important to give them the extra tender, loving care they’ll need for many years to come.”
